Blues v Ospreys Under 18's final

After four months of combat in the qualifying group, the Ospreys and Blues under 18s come face to face in today's eagerly anticipated fWRU Reebok Regional Championship final at Llandovery (3pm).

And trying to pick a winner could prove to be the toughest test of the festive season to date.

Although the Blues have enjoyed successive victories over the Ospreys in the games played between the sides this season, the game at Jenner Park five weeks ago provided further confirmation that these two sides are equally matched.

The Blues beat the Ospreys 21-12 at St Helens earlier in the campaign, but when they came face to face in Barry in November there was just three points in it, the Blues edging the spoils 25-22.

Rory Pitman, Ryan Bayliss and Daniel Biggar have been in outstanding form all season whilst for the Blues, Christian Dacey, Lloyd Williams and Joe Deacon have been amongst their leading contributors.

It promises to be a quality game with both sides further confirming the strength of the Championship.

Gafyn Cooper, high performance manager for the Blues' region said, "If we get a repeat of the game at Jenner Park it will be one to remember."

Opposite number at the Ospreys, Dai Arthur said, "We started a little slowly for our liking, but this side has grown in confidence and competence and they would love to retain the title we won last season."

The third place play off game should be interesting too with the Scarlets seeking to put one over on the Dragons who have had a disappointing season. However, the Scarlets, who won the inaugural under 18 title, will dismiss the Dragons at their peril.

Meanwhile the Ospreys under 16s defeated the Scarlets 17-5 at on Llandarcy on Wednesday.

Centre Ben John opened the scoring with a try converted by outside half Chris Banfield, with no 8 Rhys Ruddock adding a second from a driving lineout.

The Scarlets responded with a second half try from scrum half Aled Rees, but a second from Ruddock, converted by Banfield, denied the Scarlets a bonus point.